Quick take: Both the Jaecoo J7 PHEV and the Forthing Friday REEV are very interesting choices in the hybrid and electric SUV space. The Jaecoo J7 PHEV focuses on plug-in hybrid technology that delivers strong performance and long combined range, while the Forthing Friday REEV aims to provide a pure electric experience with the convenience of a range-extender. Let’s take a friendly, detailed look at both models to see which offers better value for your money.
What these cars are (short overview)
Jaecoo J7 PHEV
The Jaecoo J7 PHEV is a plug-in hybrid SUV that combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine with electric motors and a high-capacity battery. It provides the flexibility of an internal combustion engine with the efficiency of electric driving. With around 90 km of pure electric range and up to 1,200 km combined range, it’s designed for both urban commuting and long-distance travel. The power output reaches around 255 kW (342 hp), giving it strong performance and quick acceleration.
Forthing Friday REEV
The Forthing Friday REEV is an electric SUV equipped with a large battery and a small petrol generator that extends the driving range. Its battery capacity goes up to 85.9 kWh, offering a claimed range of more than 600 km on a full charge. The car delivers a smooth, quiet BEV-like driving experience but with the reassurance of a range extender for longer trips. The system ensures you never run out of power, even on routes where charging stations are limited.
Key specs and what they mean for real life
Powertrain and range
Jaecoo J7 PHEV uses a 1.5-liter turbo engine combined with an electric motor to deliver around 255 kW and 525 Nm torque. Its 18.3 kWh battery allows approximately 90 km of electric-only driving, ideal for daily commutes. The total range can reach up to 1,200 km when using both the battery and fuel tank, making it one of the longest-range plug-in hybrids in its class.
Forthing Friday REEV runs primarily as an electric vehicle with its large battery powering the drive motor. The small petrol engine acts purely as a generator to recharge the battery during long drives. Depending on the version, it produces around 201 hp (150 kW) and 340 Nm of torque, offering smooth and instant acceleration typical of electric cars. Its claimed 600 km+ range provides plenty of flexibility for extended journeys.
Real-life meaning: The Jaecoo suits those who prefer hybrid versatility—short electric commutes with the safety net of petrol power—while the Friday appeals to drivers who want a mostly electric experience without worrying about charging stops on long trips.
Interior, tech, and comfort — which car feels more premium?
Jaecoo J7 PHEV
The J7’s interior features a clean, upscale design with soft-touch materials and a large 14.8-inch central touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other comfort features include ventilated and memory seats, a panoramic roof, ambient lighting, and a power tailgate. The overall design gives the cabin a near-premium feel at a mid-range price point. Driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot detection come standard on most trims.
Forthing Friday REEV
The Friday REEV takes a tech-heavy approach. It includes a 14.6-inch rotating infotainment screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, massage and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. High-end variants also feature advanced driver assistance systems with Level-2+ semi-autonomous functions. The emphasis is on delivering a luxurious, high-tech electric experience that feels futuristic.
Verdict: The Jaecoo J7 feels more refined and practical for families, while the Forthing Friday focuses on luxury, technology, and a fully electric vibe. If you like a plush, gadget-rich cabin, the Friday is more appealing. If you prefer a premium yet balanced interior, the Jaecoo hits the mark.
Practicality: space, cargo, everyday use
The Jaecoo J7 PHEV offers generous passenger space and a practical boot capacity of about 500 litres, expandable to over 1,200 litres when the rear seats are folded. Its dimensions and tall stance make it comfortable for five adults, ideal for long drives or family use.
The Forthing Friday REEV provides similar passenger space, with a slightly smaller boot around 480 litres. Its flat battery floor enhances interior room and improves ride stability, though it can slightly raise the loading height.
In daily use, both cars are user-friendly. The J7’s smaller battery charges quickly from a household socket, while the Friday’s larger pack benefits from faster home or public charging setups. For regions where charging infrastructure is limited, the Friday’s range-extender engine provides peace of mind.
Driving experience and performance
The Jaecoo J7 PHEV feels confident and powerful on the road. The hybrid setup delivers smooth transitions between electric and petrol power, and the strong torque ensures brisk acceleration. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps well, making it ideal for both city driving and highways.
The Forthing Friday REEV provides the instant torque and quiet operation typical of electric vehicles. It’s responsive in city traffic, and the electric-only mode feels refined. When the generator activates on long drives, it maintains battery charge without much vibration or noise. The low center of gravity from its floor-mounted battery gives it stable handling and predictable cornering.
Overall, both deliver smooth, comfortable rides. The Jaecoo may feel a bit sportier due to its hybrid power surge, while the Friday emphasizes serenity and effortless driving.
Safety and driver assistance
Both SUVs come loaded with modern safety features. The Jaecoo J7 PHEV offers multiple airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, collision warning, and 360-degree cameras. The Forthing Friday REEV adds similar features with the option for semi-autonomous driving functions and intelligent parking assist. Both models also come with electronic stability control and tire-pressure monitoring, ensuring strong safety performance across markets.
Price, trims, and running costs
Prices vary by region, but both aim to undercut traditional premium competitors. The Jaecoo J7 PHEV is expected to cost in the range of RM 170,000 (around USD 36,000–40,000), depending on market and trim. The Forthing Friday REEV is priced competitively for an EV with such a large battery, often below premium rivals while offering comparable range.
In terms of running costs, the Jaecoo’s advantage lies in flexibility — daily drives can be nearly fuel-free if charged regularly, while the petrol engine ensures long-trip convenience. Maintenance is similar to standard petrol vehicles with hybrid-specific checks.
The Forthing Friday REEV benefits from lower daily operating costs since most of the driving is electric. Electricity is generally cheaper per kilometre than petrol, and EVs have fewer moving parts, reducing long-term maintenance. However, the larger battery can take longer to charge, and warranty coverage for the battery is an important factor to verify.
Which offers better value?
If your priority is electric driving with the feel of a modern BEV, the Forthing Friday REEV offers tremendous value. It’s perfect for city drivers who can charge easily and want futuristic design and tech.
If you value practicality and flexibility for longer trips, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV is the smarter buy. It allows you to drive electric most days and still enjoy the freedom of refuelling anywhere when travelling far.
In short, the Friday REEV wins on electric innovation and comfort, while the Jaecoo J7 PHEV wins on balance, reliability, and convenience.
Small but important details to check before buying
Always confirm the real-world electric range in your region, as factors like weather and terrain can affect it. Check what type of home charging setup each car requires and whether your area offers hybrid or EV incentives. Look at after-sales service availability, battery warranties, and local resale trends for both brands. These practical considerations can significantly influence long-term ownership satisfaction.
Final recommendation
Choose the Jaecoo J7 PHEV if you want a stylish, fuel-efficient SUV that can handle both daily commutes and long road trips with ease. It offers hybrid versatility, solid performance, and dependable range.
Choose the Forthing Friday REEV if you’re ready for the electric lifestyle and value modern design, quiet performance, and advanced features. It delivers the most electric driving pleasure for your money.
Both models represent impressive value in the new wave of Chinese hybrid and electric SUVs, but your ideal choice depends on how you drive, how you charge, and how much you value electric purity versus hybrid practicality.
Read More: JAECOO J7 Price in Pakistan Unveiled at Rs. 9.99 Million
